by John Herman
Day 1 – Read Matthew 4:17-25.
In these verses, Jesus announces the imminent arrival of the kingdom of God, and he begins to call people to become his disciples. In what ways does God’s kingdom seem present to you? In what ways does it seem “not yet?” For another look at the nature of the kingdom Jesus is bringing, read Luke 4:16-30. Compare the words Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 with the opening words of the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes: 5:3-12). Taken together, these words of Jesus begin to give us a picture of the kingdom of God. This week we begin our study of the Sermon on the Mount. Pray that God will make this a fruitful study in your life, and in the life of Peace.
Day 2 – Read Matthew 13:44-46.
Matthew groups all of the parables in this one chapter. The parables are another way that Jesus expresses the nature and the call of the kingdom of God. What do these two brief parables teach us about the kingdom Jesus is bringing? With what kind of attitude should it be pursued? How do you relate these parables to Jesus’ statement in Matthew 6:33, to seek first God’s kingdom? Allow this to be the center of your prayer today.
Day 3 – Read Matthew 9:9-13 and Hosea 6:4-6.
Jesus continues to call people to become his disciples, in this story Matthew the tax collector. It seems that Matthew invited many of his friends (fellow tax collectors) to a dinner to meet Jesus. When the Pharisees complain that Jesus is not keeping the ritual purity laws by eating with “sinners,” Jesus tells them to go and study their scriptures (the prophet Hosea), where God says: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” How does that statement characterize the ministry of Jesus? What guidance does it have for your own life?
Day 4 – Read Exodus 20:1-21.
In this passage, the Ten Commandments are given to the people of Israel. Notice the words that God speaks immediately before the commandments are delineated (20:2). Even the commandments are given in a context of grace. God has delivered the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, and is leading them through the wilderness toward their promised land. The commandments are given to shape the people as God’s people and provide a foundation for their life together. Do you understand God’s commandments as gracious? For your good and the good of others? Which commandments are the most difficult for you? Why? Pray about this.
Day 5 – Read Matthew 5:17-20 and Romans 3:27-31.
We saw in an earlier reading this week that Jesus was accused of setting aside some of the ritual traditions. But in this reading (Matthew 5:17-20) Jesus proclaims that he has not come to abolish (overthrow) the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them. What does Jesus mean? How does he fulfill them? Then Jesus raises the bar for his followers, telling them that their righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. What is righteousness? How do we obtain a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees? Does God’s will go beyond what the law requires? When Jesus commands the disciples to go and make disciples of all peoples and to teach them to observe all that Jesus has commanded them, to what teachings or commandments do you think Jesus is referring (Matthew 28:16-20)? What commandments of Jesus are central in your life?
The Weary World Rejoices!
Day 1
During this blessed week, we must take care not to worship Christmas, but to worship Jesus, God incarnate, who came that we might know and be reconciled to God through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. When you look in the manger, remember the cross. Read 1 Peter 1:18-20. Pause and pray. Now read Luke 1:1-25. Luke is precise and shares many details about the miraculous coming of the one who will herald the Messiah. What does he reveal about John the Baptist, even before John’s conception? Did you notice that John was to be filled with the Spirit even before his birth, and that he would be a Nazarite (Luke 1:14-15; Numbers 6:1-8)? Spend time in prayer.
Day 2
Be Still...God says, “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10a). We sing, “Silent Night, Holy Night,” words which speak of the awesome and holy movement of God breaking into temporal history clothed in human flesh. Yet many are caught in the tyranny of the urgent and are in danger of missing the true blessing of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us. Be still! Pray the Spirit will awaken your heart to the love and mystery of God as you read Luke 1:26-56. Notice how Mary moves from confusion and fear to faith, trust, submission, and praise. Tell God you want to trust God like Mary did; ask the Spirit to enable you to step into the mystery of God’s story.
Day 3
If possible, read the lyrics or listen to the song, “Mary, Did You Know?” by Greene and Lowry. Now read Luke 1:26- 56. Meditate on Isaiah 40:8; 55:11; Luke 1:37; and 2 Corinthians 1:20. How do these truths affect your faith walk? Ponder Mary’s response to the angel (Luke 1:38) and Elizabeth’s blessing for Mary (1:45). How did God confirm the angel’s message to Mary when she came into Elizabeth’s presence (1:41-45)? Notice that this happened before Mary shared her story. Read Mary’s song of praise again (1:45-55), and worship the Lord.
Day 4
As we approach a new year, it’s easy to pack up the decorations and forget about Christmas, but the wonder of God’s love and truth that God became human and walked this earth is too precious to dismiss with the season. Is the best Christmas gift you can give, perhaps, still waiting to be given? Have you loved someone in Jesus’ name and for God’s glory? Have you told anyone about God’s amazing grace? Have you been quiet long enough to hear someone’s heart cry and offer the greatest gift of all, Jesus? Slowly and prayer- fully, read John 1:1-14. Pray you will live the words of the old spiritual, “Go tell it on the mountain...and ev’rywhere...that Jesus Christ is born!”
Day 5
Be surprised by Joy...Meditate on John 16: 20. You will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. Learn the discipline of being surprised not by suffering but by joy. Be surprised by the immense healing power that keeps bursting forth like springs of fresh water from the depth of our pain. With a heart trusting that we will get what we need, and a spirit always surprised by joy, we will walk through this weary world participating in and witnessing miracles.
During this blessed week, we must take care not to worship Christmas, but to worship Jesus, God incarnate, who came that we might know and be reconciled to God through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. When you look in the manger, remember the cross. Read 1 Peter 1:18-20. Pause and pray. Now read Luke 1:1-25. Luke is precise and shares many details about the miraculous coming of the one who will herald the Messiah. What does he reveal about John the Baptist, even before John’s conception? Did you notice that John was to be filled with the Spirit even before his birth, and that he would be a Nazarite (Luke 1:14-15; Numbers 6:1-8)? Spend time in prayer.
Day 2
Be Still...God says, “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10a). We sing, “Silent Night, Holy Night,” words which speak of the awesome and holy movement of God breaking into temporal history clothed in human flesh. Yet many are caught in the tyranny of the urgent and are in danger of missing the true blessing of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us. Be still! Pray the Spirit will awaken your heart to the love and mystery of God as you read Luke 1:26-56. Notice how Mary moves from confusion and fear to faith, trust, submission, and praise. Tell God you want to trust God like Mary did; ask the Spirit to enable you to step into the mystery of God’s story.
Day 3
If possible, read the lyrics or listen to the song, “Mary, Did You Know?” by Greene and Lowry. Now read Luke 1:26- 56. Meditate on Isaiah 40:8; 55:11; Luke 1:37; and 2 Corinthians 1:20. How do these truths affect your faith walk? Ponder Mary’s response to the angel (Luke 1:38) and Elizabeth’s blessing for Mary (1:45). How did God confirm the angel’s message to Mary when she came into Elizabeth’s presence (1:41-45)? Notice that this happened before Mary shared her story. Read Mary’s song of praise again (1:45-55), and worship the Lord.
Day 4
As we approach a new year, it’s easy to pack up the decorations and forget about Christmas, but the wonder of God’s love and truth that God became human and walked this earth is too precious to dismiss with the season. Is the best Christmas gift you can give, perhaps, still waiting to be given? Have you loved someone in Jesus’ name and for God’s glory? Have you told anyone about God’s amazing grace? Have you been quiet long enough to hear someone’s heart cry and offer the greatest gift of all, Jesus? Slowly and prayer- fully, read John 1:1-14. Pray you will live the words of the old spiritual, “Go tell it on the mountain...and ev’rywhere...that Jesus Christ is born!”
Day 5
Be surprised by Joy...Meditate on John 16: 20. You will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. Learn the discipline of being surprised not by suffering but by joy. Be surprised by the immense healing power that keeps bursting forth like springs of fresh water from the depth of our pain. With a heart trusting that we will get what we need, and a spirit always surprised by joy, we will walk through this weary world participating in and witnessing miracles.
The Weary World Rejoices: Help One Another
What should we do?
Day 1: Read Luke 3:7–18. Wouldn't we love to have some general outline of what it is we should be doing - to know what exactly is God's will for our lives? In a book I read recently, the heroine is about to embark on an exciting, scary, unknown adventure for which she feels ill-prepared. When she asks advice from a wise woman about what she should do, the woman tells her to simply focus on what's ahead. Maybe that is good advice for all of us. Maybe we shouldn't worry so much about having the right skills at the right time or look back on where we've been or try to plan out ahead the adven- ture of our life, but instead really focus on what's ahead of us. What opportunities to help one another are right in the path of our every day lives. These opportunities may often seem like potholes to avoid or construction zones to detour around until we find the smooth road again, but maybe what we are called to do is to mend the road we are on.
Follow my example.
Day 2: Read Philippians 4:8-9. Paul offers another clue about what we should do to help one another. First, we need to look and find where there is good, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, and excellent work being done in the world and think about that. Next, we need to do the things that we have learned, received, heard and seen from people doing this work. That first step may seem like a giant leap for us, but by following the example of another, we can find a measure of comfort that at least someone else has scouted the way ahead.
Always be gentle with others.
Day 3: Read Philippians 4:1-7. One thing you may not expect to encounter when trying to help another is resistance. Sometimes helping another means altering the status quo and that's where help meets passive, active and sometimes even angry resistance. With change, someone is going to have to give something up and even if it is for the greater good, that's not a normal human reaction. In our quick fix, just do it culture, the mantra we've learned is that "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." According to Paul, tough- ness is not going to get the job done, but gentleness, prayer and a thankful heart will bless us with the peace we need to carry on.
God is here to help you.
Day 4: Read Isaiah 12. It's interesting to me that the lectionary reading excludes verse 1 - the one where God is angry. While we don't know why the Psalmist felt God was angry with him, we can hear his relief and joy as he experienced comfort, strength and salvation from his Lord God. When we find ourselves in need of help, sometimes we may feel that "the world" is against us or that we are victims of circumstance or even that God has abandoned us and yet as Christians we are challenged to trust, to not be afraid and to look for the one in our midst who is here to help us.
I will lead you home.
Day 5: Read Zephaniah 3:14–20. Kelly Fryer writes that "God is on a mission to bless the world and bring it back home - holy and whole." Not only that, but "God wants us to help". If that's true, we've got a big job ahead of us and the truth is we probably won't be around to find out how things turn out. We might not recognize any of the ripples of love left by our acts of kindness, but I guess that's not really the point. We are going to get discouraged, frustrated, angered and saddened by the state of the affairs in the world, but that will be no excuse not to continue following God's way. God designed us with a purpose to help one another and as we struggle to fulfill this purpose, take comfort that God is with us leading us home.
Day 1: Read Luke 3:7–18. Wouldn't we love to have some general outline of what it is we should be doing - to know what exactly is God's will for our lives? In a book I read recently, the heroine is about to embark on an exciting, scary, unknown adventure for which she feels ill-prepared. When she asks advice from a wise woman about what she should do, the woman tells her to simply focus on what's ahead. Maybe that is good advice for all of us. Maybe we shouldn't worry so much about having the right skills at the right time or look back on where we've been or try to plan out ahead the adven- ture of our life, but instead really focus on what's ahead of us. What opportunities to help one another are right in the path of our every day lives. These opportunities may often seem like potholes to avoid or construction zones to detour around until we find the smooth road again, but maybe what we are called to do is to mend the road we are on.
Follow my example.
Day 2: Read Philippians 4:8-9. Paul offers another clue about what we should do to help one another. First, we need to look and find where there is good, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, and excellent work being done in the world and think about that. Next, we need to do the things that we have learned, received, heard and seen from people doing this work. That first step may seem like a giant leap for us, but by following the example of another, we can find a measure of comfort that at least someone else has scouted the way ahead.
Always be gentle with others.
Day 3: Read Philippians 4:1-7. One thing you may not expect to encounter when trying to help another is resistance. Sometimes helping another means altering the status quo and that's where help meets passive, active and sometimes even angry resistance. With change, someone is going to have to give something up and even if it is for the greater good, that's not a normal human reaction. In our quick fix, just do it culture, the mantra we've learned is that "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." According to Paul, tough- ness is not going to get the job done, but gentleness, prayer and a thankful heart will bless us with the peace we need to carry on.
God is here to help you.
Day 4: Read Isaiah 12. It's interesting to me that the lectionary reading excludes verse 1 - the one where God is angry. While we don't know why the Psalmist felt God was angry with him, we can hear his relief and joy as he experienced comfort, strength and salvation from his Lord God. When we find ourselves in need of help, sometimes we may feel that "the world" is against us or that we are victims of circumstance or even that God has abandoned us and yet as Christians we are challenged to trust, to not be afraid and to look for the one in our midst who is here to help us.
I will lead you home.
Day 5: Read Zephaniah 3:14–20. Kelly Fryer writes that "God is on a mission to bless the world and bring it back home - holy and whole." Not only that, but "God wants us to help". If that's true, we've got a big job ahead of us and the truth is we probably won't be around to find out how things turn out. We might not recognize any of the ripples of love left by our acts of kindness, but I guess that's not really the point. We are going to get discouraged, frustrated, angered and saddened by the state of the affairs in the world, but that will be no excuse not to continue following God's way. God designed us with a purpose to help one another and as we struggle to fulfill this purpose, take comfort that God is with us leading us home.
Christmas Miracle Offering - South West Virginia Ministry
One of the recipients of this year’s Christmas Miracle Offering is the South West Virginia Ministry Outreach of Peace, benefiting the people of Dickenson County, VA. Dickenson County is listed as the second poorest county in the United States. A group of Peace members have traveled to Dickenson County and feel God’s call to serve there: to share God’s love and be a blessing; to make a difference in lives that have known so much poverty, despair, and hopelessness.
Thus far, Peace is working through the Binns-Counts Community Center in this area to provide winter clothing for area residents; to provide new socks and underwear for approximately 500 children; and to supply gently used computers to upgrade the community center’s computer lab where classes are offered to help people build new job skills. Peace is also taking a group of adults and youth down to Binns-Counts the week of July 20-26, 2010, primarily to work on housing repairs. Funds from the Christmas Miracle Offering will be used to help meet additional needs uncovered by the ministry team as they continue to work closely with the Binns-Count Community Center Program Coordinator.
Dickenson County is truly an impoverished area. Here are a few statistics taken from the 2000 U.S. census:
* Total population of the county – 16,395
* In labor force (16 years+) – 41.7% (as compared with U.S. 63.9%)
* Per capita income in 1999 $12,822 (compared with U.S. $21,587)
* Household income less than $15,000 – 33%
* Families with income less than $10,000 – 548
* Families below poverty level – 16.9% (U.S. 9.2%)
* Families below poverty level w/children under 18 yrs – 24.2%
* Individuals below poverty level – 21.3% (U.S. 12.4%)
"Binns-Counts Community Center sits in the Cumberland Plateau region of Appalachia in Dickenson County—one of the coalfield counties of Virginia. Located on Route 63 between Nora and McClure, the center serves residents of Dickenson County as well as some in nearby Russell and Wise. The Mission of the center states: We are a non-profit grassroots organization established in 1974. We are committed to education, health care and decent housing for all. We are directed by a board of community people and staffed mainly by volunteers. We work in partnership with college, community and church groups."
Thus far, Peace is working through the Binns-Counts Community Center in this area to provide winter clothing for area residents; to provide new socks and underwear for approximately 500 children; and to supply gently used computers to upgrade the community center’s computer lab where classes are offered to help people build new job skills. Peace is also taking a group of adults and youth down to Binns-Counts the week of July 20-26, 2010, primarily to work on housing repairs. Funds from the Christmas Miracle Offering will be used to help meet additional needs uncovered by the ministry team as they continue to work closely with the Binns-Count Community Center Program Coordinator.
Dickenson County is truly an impoverished area. Here are a few statistics taken from the 2000 U.S. census:
* Total population of the county – 16,395
* In labor force (16 years+) – 41.7% (as compared with U.S. 63.9%)
* Per capita income in 1999 $12,822 (compared with U.S. $21,587)
* Household income less than $15,000 – 33%
* Families with income less than $10,000 – 548
* Families below poverty level – 16.9% (U.S. 9.2%)
* Families below poverty level w/children under 18 yrs – 24.2%
* Individuals below poverty level – 21.3% (U.S. 12.4%)
"Binns-Counts Community Center sits in the Cumberland Plateau region of Appalachia in Dickenson County—one of the coalfield counties of Virginia. Located on Route 63 between Nora and McClure, the center serves residents of Dickenson County as well as some in nearby Russell and Wise. The Mission of the center states: We are a non-profit grassroots organization established in 1974. We are committed to education, health care and decent housing for all. We are directed by a board of community people and staffed mainly by volunteers. We work in partnership with college, community and church groups."
Christmas Miracle Offering - Building Goodness Foundation
One of the local recipients of the this year's CMO is the Charlottesville based non-profit organization, Building Goodness Foundation (BGF). Peace funds are earmarked for a project with the Mattoponi. The Mattoponi People are part of the Algonquin Nation of the Powhatan Confederacy. The Mattaponi Indian Reservation is one of the last and oldest of the 32 tribes that were ruled by Chief Powhatan. The great Chief Powhatan, father of Pocahantas, ruled most of Tidewater, Virginia when Europeans arrived in 1607. The story of Pocahantas and Captain John Smith began here.
Through the years both the Reservation's physical size and the number of Tribal members have been diminished. Today the Reservation consists of mostly woodlands and marsh, a portion being protected wetlands. At present nearly 60 people live on the Reservation. The Reservation sits on the banks of the Mattoponi River, one of the most pristine rivers in the Eastern United States. There are a small number of living facilities on the Reservation. The Peace Christmas Miracle Offering is earmarked for an identified need. The next project that BGF will undertake on the Reservation is the replacement of a worn out old trailer home. Two orphaned Tribal teenagers presently live in the trailer. Funds are needed in order for Building Goodness Foundation to proceed. Completed drawings have already been donated for the home. Next, BGF will use its resources of volunteer labor and reduced material costs to construct a modest durable wood framed home. Once complete it will allow these two young Tribal members to stay on the land, near family. The home will be owned by the Tribe and be passed on to future generations of Mattaponi Indians.
Through the years both the Reservation's physical size and the number of Tribal members have been diminished. Today the Reservation consists of mostly woodlands and marsh, a portion being protected wetlands. At present nearly 60 people live on the Reservation. The Reservation sits on the banks of the Mattoponi River, one of the most pristine rivers in the Eastern United States. There are a small number of living facilities on the Reservation. The Peace Christmas Miracle Offering is earmarked for an identified need. The next project that BGF will undertake on the Reservation is the replacement of a worn out old trailer home. Two orphaned Tribal teenagers presently live in the trailer. Funds are needed in order for Building Goodness Foundation to proceed. Completed drawings have already been donated for the home. Next, BGF will use its resources of volunteer labor and reduced material costs to construct a modest durable wood framed home. Once complete it will allow these two young Tribal members to stay on the land, near family. The home will be owned by the Tribe and be passed on to future generations of Mattaponi Indians.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27.
The Weary World Rejoices: Help in the Wilderness
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the Baptizer's voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi's prophesy could as easily herald the coming Lord Jesus as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the "salvation of God."
After Four Hundred Years of Silence
Day 1: When Malachi’s pen fell silent in about 430 B.C., so did the prophetic voice in Israel…that is, until John the Baptist appeared on the scene in Judea. Read Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1-2; Mark 1:1-8; and Luke 3:1-6. Isaiah and Malachi prepared God’s people to watch for a special messenger, a messenger who would herald the Messiah, who is the living Message! At the exact moment in history, according to God’s perfect plan, John the Baptist came to prepare the people for the Savior. In this busy Christmas season, do you take time to listen for the Spirit’s voice calling you to embrace the Message? Create silence for Scripture, prayer, and listening to the Spirit’s voice.
Day 2: What do you know about John the Baptist? His father was a priest; his mother, Elizabeth, was a relative of Mary, mother of Jesus. Read Luke 1:1-25,36,39-45,57-80 and John 1:6-9,15-28. From before John’s conception, God had a plan for his life. John would point people to Jesus. Consider that it is God’s plan for each of us to help others see Jesus. John’s life was focused on what was most important (notice his first reaction to “meeting” Jesus: Luke 1:44). On what or whom is your life focused this week? Ask the Spirit to help you point someone to Jesus.
Day 3: At exactly the right time in history, the word of God came to John. The expression the word of God came is the same expression used in reference to God’s message coming to Old Testament prophets (Jeremiah 1:1-2; Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1…); John speaks with authority, for he speaks God’s heart to the people; he is God’s chosen messenger. When we read God’s Word, do we read it as words written by men or as God’s message? What difference does the perspective make? Read Luke 3:1-6; what is God saying to the people through the voice of John? What is God saying to you? Ask God to help you make this Advent season a time of preparing to encounter Jesus.
Prepare the Way for the Lord
Day 4: In ancient times, because roads were not good, a king planning to travel sent a courier ahead to tell the people to prepare the roads, to make them as level and straight as possible. John didn’t come to tell people to do road repair, he came to tell them to prepare their hearts for the King. Read Mark 1:4-5 and Luke 3:1-6. To what internal preparation did John call the people? What was the external or public act that attested to their repentance? Why is it important that we realize we are sinners? Read Matthew 1:21 and 1 John 1:5-10. Reflect on your need for the Savior and on God’s immeasurablelove for you.
Day 5: Luke 3:1-6 and John 1:1-34 speak of God-ordained preparation for the revealing of Jesus as Savior. John the Baptist is the messenger sent to prepare hearts to receive Jesus, the Message. Where was John when God’s word came to him (3:2)? Why might the desert/wilderness be a fitting place to hear God’s voice? And then he pointed people to Jesus. If we are to see God’s salvation and then share the glorious Good News with others, we need time apart to hear God’s voice.
After Four Hundred Years of Silence
Day 1: When Malachi’s pen fell silent in about 430 B.C., so did the prophetic voice in Israel…that is, until John the Baptist appeared on the scene in Judea. Read Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1-2; Mark 1:1-8; and Luke 3:1-6. Isaiah and Malachi prepared God’s people to watch for a special messenger, a messenger who would herald the Messiah, who is the living Message! At the exact moment in history, according to God’s perfect plan, John the Baptist came to prepare the people for the Savior. In this busy Christmas season, do you take time to listen for the Spirit’s voice calling you to embrace the Message? Create silence for Scripture, prayer, and listening to the Spirit’s voice.
Day 2: What do you know about John the Baptist? His father was a priest; his mother, Elizabeth, was a relative of Mary, mother of Jesus. Read Luke 1:1-25,36,39-45,57-80 and John 1:6-9,15-28. From before John’s conception, God had a plan for his life. John would point people to Jesus. Consider that it is God’s plan for each of us to help others see Jesus. John’s life was focused on what was most important (notice his first reaction to “meeting” Jesus: Luke 1:44). On what or whom is your life focused this week? Ask the Spirit to help you point someone to Jesus.
Day 3: At exactly the right time in history, the word of God came to John. The expression the word of God came is the same expression used in reference to God’s message coming to Old Testament prophets (Jeremiah 1:1-2; Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1…); John speaks with authority, for he speaks God’s heart to the people; he is God’s chosen messenger. When we read God’s Word, do we read it as words written by men or as God’s message? What difference does the perspective make? Read Luke 3:1-6; what is God saying to the people through the voice of John? What is God saying to you? Ask God to help you make this Advent season a time of preparing to encounter Jesus.
Prepare the Way for the Lord
Day 4: In ancient times, because roads were not good, a king planning to travel sent a courier ahead to tell the people to prepare the roads, to make them as level and straight as possible. John didn’t come to tell people to do road repair, he came to tell them to prepare their hearts for the King. Read Mark 1:4-5 and Luke 3:1-6. To what internal preparation did John call the people? What was the external or public act that attested to their repentance? Why is it important that we realize we are sinners? Read Matthew 1:21 and 1 John 1:5-10. Reflect on your need for the Savior and on God’s immeasurablelove for you.
Day 5: Luke 3:1-6 and John 1:1-34 speak of God-ordained preparation for the revealing of Jesus as Savior. John the Baptist is the messenger sent to prepare hearts to receive Jesus, the Message. Where was John when God’s word came to him (3:2)? Why might the desert/wilderness be a fitting place to hear God’s voice? And then he pointed people to Jesus. If we are to see God’s salvation and then share the glorious Good News with others, we need time apart to hear God’s voice.
Worship: The Word
Sept 19-20, 2009: The Word
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 119:57-72; Colossians 3:16-17; Luke 24:25-27
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 119:57-72; Colossians 3:16-17; Luke 24:25-27
Finding God in Film and Literature
In June, we begin a new series, Finding God in Film and Literature. We want to know where you have seen God in the world lately? Especially what movie have you seen or book you have read where you felt a God connection. Post your reviews here and we'll be on our way to collecting a great summer viewing and reading list!
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name
40 Days with the Lord's Prayer
February 28-March 1, 2009
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Luke 11:1-13
In the year 1535, Peter Beskendorf, a barber and friend of Martin Luther asked Luther for his advice concerning prayer. Luther responded by writing a long letter called "How One Should Pray, for Master Peter the Barber."
The first thing Luther does in prayer is to prepare his own heart. ("It is of great importance that the heart be made ready and eager for prayer.") To do so, he might read the 10 commandments and their explanations from the catechism, or he might read from the psalms, or from the words of Jesus, or from one of Paul's letters, or a command from God in scripture that we should pray and that God will answer.
Then, when his heart has been warmed and is intent upon the matter, he confesses to God that he is an unworthy sinner. "But because thou hast commanded us all to pray and hast promised to hear us and through thy dear Son Jesus Christ has taught us both how and what to pray, I come to thee in obedience to thy word, trusting in thy gracious promise." ("Here I come, dear Father, and pray not of my own accord nor because of my own unworthiness, but at your commandment and promise, which cannot fail or deceive me." LC, 21)
Then he prays the Lord's Prayer through, word for word. And then he returns to focus on one part of the prayer and expand upon it. Luther advises Peter to let his heart be guided and stirred by the thoughts which are derived from this way of meditating on the Lord's Prayer. "It may happen occasionally that I may get lost among so many ideas in one petition that I forego the other six. If such an abundance of good thoughts comes to us we ought to disregard the other petitions, make room for such thoughts, listen in silence, and under no circumstances obstruct them. The Holy Spirit himself preaches here, and one word of his sermon is far better than a thousand of our prayers. Many times I have learned more from one prayer than I might have learned from much reading and speculation."
According to Luther, you can pray the Lord's Prayer thousands of times and not even taste it. The best way to pray it is to listen to all the thoughts it brings into your mind and heart. Let it become an experience of listening to God, listening to what God wants, listening to what God would teach you. That's what prayer can become. That must be what the disciples of Jesus observed when they witnessed the impact of prayer in Jesus' life.
Through the praying of Jesus, the disciples began to see that prayer was more than a religious duty; it could be the vital connection between God and themselves. "From the beginning to the end of Jesus' ministry, his disciples had a front-row seat to watch the greatest pray-er who ever prayed. And as they watched, they saw him filled with peace, wisdom, spiritual power, and grace. When Jesus prayed, they saw things happen." (Ortberg, Praying With Power, 12)
In our gospel reading, (Luke 11:1-4) the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray in that way. Jesus gives his followers a prayer form, (what we call the Lord's Prayer, but which might better be called a Model Prayer or the Disciple's Prayer).
This prayer form wasn't intended to become a ritualized prayer, that is recited from memory without thought. As we hear from Luther, and as the disciples saw in Jesus, it's benefit would be found more from the listening side than from the speaking side.
That's where we can also grow in prayer. The Lord's Prayer has become so familiar to Christians that we can recite it without even thinking about what we are saying (even in under 10 seconds). That is why we are spending 40 days with the Lord's Prayer this Lenten season, taking the prayer one petition at a time, so we may to pause to think about what we are praying (when we pray this prayer), so that we may pray this prayer with understanding and so that it may become for us a rich resource for meditation and communication with God.
Today we begin with the opening lines of this prayer:
Our Father…..in heaven…..hallowed be your name.
Together these opening words of the Lord's Prayer form a kind of paradox. God, the creator of all is "a transcendent God, a God to stand in awe of, a God clothed in mystery. God cannot be contained in any ideology or even theology." (French, Lenten Journey: 40 Days with the Lord's Prayer, 27) And yet God is our loving parent, desiring that we know him intimately.
God is called by many names in the Old Testament: Strong One, Rock, Refuge, King of Kings, and Most High. When God reveals himself to Moses, he uses the term Yahweh: which may be translated as: I am who I am, or I will be what I will be, or simply: I am (Ex 3:13-15) God is other. "In ancient Israel, the name of God was considered so holy that it was not to be spoken or written." (French, 32)
In the Old Testament, God is described and describes himself as a Father to his people, Israel. But in the New Testament, there is something quite new with the word Jesus uses to refer to God - "abba." It is one of the words children use for their parents (abba and imma, like our mommy and daddy). "Abba" was an everyday word, a family word. "No Jew would have dared to address God in this (intimate) manner. Jesus did it always, in all his prayers which are handed down to us." (Jeremias, The Prayers of Jesus, p. 97)
When Jesus invites us to speak to God as "our Father," even our "daddy," we can be assured of several things:
- First, that God the Father wants to meet us in prayer. That God is accessible, waiting to listen to us, and to talk with us, like a mother to her child.
It means that we that we can approach God with a simple childlike confidence and trust.
- Jesus goes on to describe God as the ideal parent who provides us with what we need. Jesus says that human parents have their obvious weaknesses, but in general they give their children the things they need. If human parents provide their children with the things they need, then how much more will the perfect parent, our Creator, give us what we need –the Holy Spirit.
- By calling God our Father, we do not mean to say that God is masculine
or of the male gender. God does not possess our human traits. God is also portrayed in the Bible as having qualities attributed to females: like nurturer, life-giver, comforter. But God is neither male nor female. "The words father and mother both make the point Jesus was making when he taught his followers to pray 'Our Father.' We are dependent upon God as a child to a parent. We are to obey God as a child obeys a parent, trusting that whatever God asks of us will be good for us. We are to respect and love God as a child respects and loves a parent,
when the parental relationship is grounded in love and care for the child." (French, 25)
German pastor Helmut Thielicke puts it this way: Even more important that presenting our prayer petitions is our entering into communion, into a personal relationship with God the Father. The greatest blessing of prayer "does not consist of our receiving the specific things we have prayed for…We learn that the happy gift of prayer consists in receiving the fellowship of the Father, that he gives us his whole heart—that we can accept everything from his hand." (Thielicke, The Lord's Prayer, 37, 39) That's what it means to pray to God as Father.
After way pray "our Father," we then pray "Hallowed be your name." Which means, may your name be held holy. Of all the things Jesus teaches that we need to pray about, honoring God's name is first on the list. Why is that?
When we pray "hallowed be your name," we begin the prayer with praise and worship of God. Praising the Lord sets the tone for the entire prayer. Adoration of God puts us in the right frame of mind: we are reminded whom we are addressing, whose presence we have entered. We give God the honor and reverence due God.
(We are reminded that God is God and we are not. God doesn't need reminding that God's name should be holy—we need to be reminded of it.)
A Japanese solider approached a wise teacher. "I have mastered all of the martial arts," he said calmly. "I have risen to the highest rank possible for a man of my training. I now wish to learn about the spiritual life. Can you help me?" The teacher smiled and invited the man to sit at the table. "Let us have a cup of tea," before we talk further." After the soldier sat down, the teacher began to pour the tea into the man's cup. He filled the cup and kept on pouring until the tea was running over the table onto the floor. The soldier watched dumbfounded until he could no longer be silent. "Stop! It is full! The cup will not hold more tea!" Placing the teapot on the table, the teacher addressed the soldier, "You are so full of yourself that there is no room for God. It is not possible for you to learn, until you empty yourself." (White, Stories for the Journey, p. 63)
When we pray, hallowed be your name, we are led to ask ourselves: Whose name am I seeking to honor? God's name? Or my own? Here is Martin Luther's summary for this petition: "O dear Father, may your name he hallowed in us; that is, I confess and am sorry that I have dishonored your name so often and that in my arrogance I still defile your name by honoring my own. Therefore, help me by your grace so that I and my name become nothing, so that only you and your name and honor may live in me. (Exposition, 35-36)
Luther teaches us that we hallow God's name, we honor God's name, when we are
"gentle, merciful, chaste, just, truthful, guileless, friendly, peaceful, and kindly disposed toward all, even toward our enemies." Because the one in whose name we were baptized works these works in us.
I want to close the sermon by reading from the Psalms. Feel free to read along with me or to close your eyes and listen and meditate on what it means to hallow God's name. Here the psalmist gives us some excellent examples of honoring God's name. Psalm 95:1-7; 96:1-3; 97:1-6; 99:1-3; 100.
The psalmist invites to into praise and thanksgiving, as we honor God's name.
Transfiguration
Transfiguration, B
February 21-22, 2009
Mark 9:2-9
The transfiguration event on the mountaintop is a strange event; it not only puzzled Peter and the other 2 disciples, it has also continued to puzzle biblical scholars. (The first three sermons I preached while in college were all Transfiguration Sunday sermons. At the time, I thought it was because the day was usually near Valentines Day, and the pastor wanted to take that time off. But later I considered he might have taken that day off because it puzzled him as well.)
To begin to understand what is going on in this transfiguration event, we need to review what has happened in the gospel up to this point. We need to do a quick study of the highlights of the first half of Mark's gospel. We the readers know who Jesus is from the very first words of the gospel. "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (Mark 1:1) We know that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Messiah, and the Son of God. However, those whom Jesus calls to follow don't know that much at the outset; they think of Jesus as a rabbi. (The identity of Jesus is going to be the primary question on their midterm exam.) Only as they follow Jesus in his ministry, do they begin to learn who Jesus is, and learn what Jesus wants to teach them. What do they learn? Let's begin in chapter 1 and walk with them.
In 1:14-15, Jesus announces the arrival of the kingdom of God. (The kingdom of God is somehow present in the person of Jesus.)
In 1:27, the disciples see that Jesus has authority over the evil spirits.
In 1:34, they see that Jesus has power over diseases.
In 2:9-12, they see that not only does Jesus have the power to cure diseases,
but that he also has the authority to forgive sins (and only God has that authority).
In 4:41, Jesus demonstrates an authority over the natural world (he controls the wind and sea).
In 5:41-43, Jesus demonstrates power over death.
Like God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Moses, in 6:41-44, Jesus provides the people with bread in the wilderness. (Just like the manna in the wilderness. And he does the same thing again for a gentile crowd in 8:6-9.)
The evidence is mounting. Surely the disciples now know who Jesus is, right?
In 8:14-21, they are in the boat with Jesus, and they realize that they forgot to bring bread. They have just participated in two miraculous feedings of large crowds.
They are sitting in the boat with the Bread of Life. And they're concerned about not having brought along enough bread. (8:17-18) They have eyes to see but cannot see. They have ears to hear, but do not hear. They don't understand. (It looks like they may fail the midterm.)
[Do you think that there might be some symbolism going on in the story about Jesus needing two tries to heal the blind man so that he can see clearly? 8:22-26]
Then we come to the heart of the gospel, the turning point. It's time for the midterm exam. What have the disciples learned? In 8:27-30, Jesus asks the disciples who people say he is. (Some think he's Elijah come back, or John the Baptist come back to life, or one of the other prophets.) But who do you say that I am? And Peter speaks up for them all: You are the Messiah. Thanks to Peter, the disciples get an A. But, as we'll see in a moment, it's a good thing it was multiple choice and not an essay question.
With that confession, (with the midterm exam completed), it is now time for the second half of the course. It is time for Jesus to tell his disciples more plainly what it means to follow him. What it means to live in the kingdom of God. And why they are heading to Jerusalem.
(Mark 8:31)
"Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again." Whoa, wait a minute. Peter corrects Jesus in protest. This is not the kind of Messiah he wants. Nor is it the kind of life he wants for himself. Jesus hears Peter's protests as one more ploy of Satan to lead him away from the path to the cross, and he confronts Peter. " Satan, get lost! Peter, get out of my way! You have no idea how God works." (Message)
Calling the crowd to join his disciples, Jesus says, " If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul? (CEV)
Our gospel reading (9:2-9) picks up right there. Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. His appearance changes, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmer, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Then Elijah and Moses come into view, and they are in deep conversation with Jesus. Peter thinks this is a great moment and suggests they build three booths for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. A cloud moves overhead, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." The next minute the disciples see only Jesus. Coming down the mountain, Jesus swears them to secrecy. "Don't tell anyone what you saw until after the Son of Man rises from the dead." They are puzzled also over that, wondering what on earth "rising from the dead" could mean. (Message)
What is going on here? The transfiguration event is for the three disciples. The disciples need to hear God's declaration about Jesus. The voice is for their benefit. Jesus is God's beloved Son. They are to listen to him (Verb tense means they are to continue to listen to him.) Jesus speaks the truth (what God wants). Yes, Jesus is the Messiah. Even though he doesn't look like what they might have expected, even though his teachings about his coming death in Jerusalem are the direct opposite of what they would have expected in a Messiah, Jesus is the son of God, Jesus is the Messiah, and they are to listen to him; they are to follow him.
Why do they need this mystical experience, this affirming word from God the Father? Jesus has just spoken to them about the reason they are heading for Jerusalem (his death), and what it means to follow him (deny self, take up cross and follow). They do not understand nor do they want to understand. (Having eyes they cannot see; having ears they cannot hear.)
The road now leads to Jerusalem. Up until this moment, it has been rather easy to follow Jesus. From here forward, it's going to be harder and harder. It's going to be a difficult second half of the term. (And the disciples are going to need some remedial work to understand this message about following to the cross and denying themselves. Jesus reviews it with them 2 more times (Mark 9:31-32 and Mark 10:32-34.)
It's going to be a difficult second half of the term. The road to the cross is a difficult journey. Many will not make the sacrifice. (10:17-31 - If he who has everything will have difficulty, then who can be saved?)
In Mark 13 we hear that following Jesus will involve suffering and rejection for his followers.
It's going to be a difficult second half of the term. The final exam is about the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see the agony of Jesus as he prepares to give his life on the cross for the world. For the Gospel of Mark, the cross is where we see the identity of Jesus revealed. On the cross, Jesus reveals the compassion of God, a suffering love for the world, the forgiveness of sin, the reconciling of the world to himself.
How strange. How difficult to comprehend. God, who is all-powerful, hides himself in weakness. God, who is all wise, hides himself in foolishness. God, who is life, hides himself in death. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
The transfiguration event is a vision to help the disciples follow Jesus all the way to the cross. To go with Jesus even when it looks like he is giving in to evil. To listen to Jesus when it sounds like he does not understand the role of a Messiah.
To follow Jesus into the places of power where he will certainly be crushed. To learn that the way of Jesus is the way of death and resurrection. To learn from Jesus how to deny oneself and take up one's cross. To learn from Jesus that the cross is where we see God, and suffering is where we know God's strength. (2 Corinthians 12) To learn from Jesus that the call to follow Jesus is at once our death and our life, a new identity, a new life in Jesus Christ. (The transfiguration event is what the disciples need to keep them following Jesus to the cross and to the resurrection.)
How did the disciples do on the final exam? Most did not make it to the cross, and they got an "incomplete" for the course. Mark mentions some women who watched the crucifixion from afar. And Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, obtained permission to bury the body. And on Easter morning, some of the women, upon finding the tomb empty are given the message that the crucified Jesus is risen, and will meet the disciples in Galilee. Even though they got an "ioncomplete," their teacher will not give up on them.
Some biblical scholars think the story about the transfiguration is a misplaced story, that it belongs after the resurrection, instead of the middle of the gospel. I think not. The transfiguration event is a vision that draws the disciples forward, encourages them, and gives them hope for the difficult journey to Jerusalem and the events of Jesus' passion and death.
But it is also a sign. It is a sign that there will be a resurrection. Following the rejection and suffering and death, there will be a resurrection. The vision of Jesus shining so brightly is a message to the disciples. You won't understand this now, but remember this. Keep this picture in your heart. Remember this…this is how you will see Jesus on that day.
Walking Wet: Outward, Not Inward
Day 1
Read 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. What does Paul mean when he says he has become all things to all people, that he might by all means save some? How can we distinguish between meeting people where they are and pretending to be something we're not, or falling into greater sin ourselves? Since we are all sinners, is any such distinction meaningful? Reflect on where your way of life shares borders with people who live or think differently, and how God might be calling you to meet them.
Day 2
Read Luke 10:1-12. Jesus says he is sending his disciples out like lambs into the midst of wolves. How can we live with this kind of vulnerability and danger, and still be good to the people already connected to us through family and faith community? How does the specific call Jesus places on his contemporaries translate into our present circumstances? Reflect on where God may be calling you to accept risk or sacrifice in order to make the Gospel known.
Day 3
Read Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus here uses language about judgment in a way that directly challenges his disciples to be in service to others, where in most of the Gospels such language is reserved for his dismantling of priestly hypocrisy. Where are we living up to this challenge as a faith community? Where are we falling short? How can we affirm and encourage each other to make this call to service central to our faith walk? Reflect on where God may be challenging you to meet the needs of the vulnerable and suffering around you.
Day 4
Read Matthew 5:14-16 and Matthew 6:1-8. Jesus tells people to let their light shine before others, so that their good works may be seen, but he also warns against praying in public, boasting of faith, and ostentatious good works. How do we know when we are spreading the Gospel through acts of love and service, and when we are glorifying ourselves or seeking to earn grace? Reflect on how God may be calling you to be bold in proclaiming God's love through words and deeds.
Day 5
Read Matthew 28:19-20. Matthew recounts these as the last direct instruction of Jesus to his disciples; we call it the Great Commission – go and make disciples of all nations. A principle of our theology is that God calls those who he wishes to call, or as Jesus puts it elsewhere in the Gospels, "the wind blows where it wants to." If the calling of disciples is the work of the Holy Spirit, where do we come in? How do we know when we are following the Great Commission, and when we are trying to do God's work for God? Is there a difference between seeking intellectual assent to theology or doctrine, and offering opportunities for the Spirit to work in people's hearts and lives? What does this look like? Reflect on where God may be calling you to invite others into relationship with Christ.
Read 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. What does Paul mean when he says he has become all things to all people, that he might by all means save some? How can we distinguish between meeting people where they are and pretending to be something we're not, or falling into greater sin ourselves? Since we are all sinners, is any such distinction meaningful? Reflect on where your way of life shares borders with people who live or think differently, and how God might be calling you to meet them.
Day 2
Read Luke 10:1-12. Jesus says he is sending his disciples out like lambs into the midst of wolves. How can we live with this kind of vulnerability and danger, and still be good to the people already connected to us through family and faith community? How does the specific call Jesus places on his contemporaries translate into our present circumstances? Reflect on where God may be calling you to accept risk or sacrifice in order to make the Gospel known.
Day 3
Read Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus here uses language about judgment in a way that directly challenges his disciples to be in service to others, where in most of the Gospels such language is reserved for his dismantling of priestly hypocrisy. Where are we living up to this challenge as a faith community? Where are we falling short? How can we affirm and encourage each other to make this call to service central to our faith walk? Reflect on where God may be challenging you to meet the needs of the vulnerable and suffering around you.
Day 4
Read Matthew 5:14-16 and Matthew 6:1-8. Jesus tells people to let their light shine before others, so that their good works may be seen, but he also warns against praying in public, boasting of faith, and ostentatious good works. How do we know when we are spreading the Gospel through acts of love and service, and when we are glorifying ourselves or seeking to earn grace? Reflect on how God may be calling you to be bold in proclaiming God's love through words and deeds.
Day 5
Read Matthew 28:19-20. Matthew recounts these as the last direct instruction of Jesus to his disciples; we call it the Great Commission – go and make disciples of all nations. A principle of our theology is that God calls those who he wishes to call, or as Jesus puts it elsewhere in the Gospels, "the wind blows where it wants to." If the calling of disciples is the work of the Holy Spirit, where do we come in? How do we know when we are following the Great Commission, and when we are trying to do God's work for God? Is there a difference between seeking intellectual assent to theology or doctrine, and offering opportunities for the Spirit to work in people's hearts and lives? What does this look like? Reflect on where God may be calling you to invite others into relationship with Christ.
Walking Wet: Are We There Yet?
Day 1
Read Mark 1:14-15 and Matthew 3:1-6. What do you think is the good news of which Jesus speaks? Why does following Jesus begin with repentance? What does repent mean? (change; turn around; reorientation) Why is repentance essential if we are to grow as disciples? Why might be your prayer of repentance today?
Day 2
Read John 15:1-4. In following Jesus, what is the one thing required above all else? Compare Luke 10:38-42. What does it mean to abide in Jesus? What other words would you substitute for abide? What are the times when you hear Jesus calling you to come out of the kitchen to sit at his feet?
Day 3
Read John 15:5-17. What is the relationship between these phrases of Jesus: abide/remain in me, love one another, and bear fruit? Some biblical interpreters suggest that the fruit God wants to produce in us is love. One definition of spiritual growth is "an increasing love for God and for others." What is helping you grow in your love for God and your love for others?
Day 4
Read Ephesians 4:11-16. The author of this letter draws a picture of a faith community maturing toward the fullness of Jesus Christ. Notice that spiritual growth occurs in the context of a community of faith. What is the connection between doing ministry or service and growing in Christ? Like John 15, this passage also mentions love as an essential ingredient in growing up in Christ. What is it about love that contributes to the strengthening of the body of Christ and to its unity?
Day 5
Read Genesis 12:1-4 and Hebrews 11:8-16. God called Abraham to leave his home and journey to a new place. Do you think Abraham was always wondering, are we there yet? Did he ever arrive? Do we ever arrive, or are we always on a journey? It has been suggested that if you are not uncomfortable, then you are not growing. Is this your experience? What do you think about the following quotation: "The decision to grow always involves a choice between risk and comfort. This means that to be a follower of Jesus you must renounce comfort as the ultimate value of your life." (Ortberg, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat, 21) What do you think are the growth points in your life? In our congregational life?
Read Mark 1:14-15 and Matthew 3:1-6. What do you think is the good news of which Jesus speaks? Why does following Jesus begin with repentance? What does repent mean? (change; turn around; reorientation) Why is repentance essential if we are to grow as disciples? Why might be your prayer of repentance today?
Day 2
Read John 15:1-4. In following Jesus, what is the one thing required above all else? Compare Luke 10:38-42. What does it mean to abide in Jesus? What other words would you substitute for abide? What are the times when you hear Jesus calling you to come out of the kitchen to sit at his feet?
Day 3
Read John 15:5-17. What is the relationship between these phrases of Jesus: abide/remain in me, love one another, and bear fruit? Some biblical interpreters suggest that the fruit God wants to produce in us is love. One definition of spiritual growth is "an increasing love for God and for others." What is helping you grow in your love for God and your love for others?
Day 4
Read Ephesians 4:11-16. The author of this letter draws a picture of a faith community maturing toward the fullness of Jesus Christ. Notice that spiritual growth occurs in the context of a community of faith. What is the connection between doing ministry or service and growing in Christ? Like John 15, this passage also mentions love as an essential ingredient in growing up in Christ. What is it about love that contributes to the strengthening of the body of Christ and to its unity?
Day 5
Read Genesis 12:1-4 and Hebrews 11:8-16. God called Abraham to leave his home and journey to a new place. Do you think Abraham was always wondering, are we there yet? Did he ever arrive? Do we ever arrive, or are we always on a journey? It has been suggested that if you are not uncomfortable, then you are not growing. Is this your experience? What do you think about the following quotation: "The decision to grow always involves a choice between risk and comfort. This means that to be a follower of Jesus you must renounce comfort as the ultimate value of your life." (Ortberg, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat, 21) What do you think are the growth points in your life? In our congregational life?
Walking Wet: Walking Together, Not Alone
Day 1 - Where is your Antioch?
Where is your Antioch, your community of faith and learning? Is it dead or dying? Is it alive and growing? Before you can figure out where your Antioch is, you need to know what an Antioch is. Read Acts 11:20-30. What are some of the characteristics of the community in Antioch? Do you find these characteristics in your current community of faith?
Day 2 - Beloved Community
We all want to be part of a healthy, reconciled, authentic community. This is something Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. named the beloved community, one with the type of spirit and type of love "that can transform opposers into friends". Depending on your experience of church, you may be thinking that either being beloved community in a congregation is a no-brainer or a pipe dream. Read Colossians 3:12-17. How do these words provide a model for beloved community?
Day 3 - Authentic Community
Achieving true community is rare. According to M. Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled and Beyond, most groups of people only achieve psuedo-community, where the assumption is that everyone is the same, with the same goals in mind, and that everybody will play nice. True community requires experiencing the chaos of our differences and the emptying of barriers to communication such as “expectations, preconceptions, and prejudices and emptying ourselves of the need to heal, convert, fix or solve."
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. What do you think it takes to move beyond psuedo-community to authentic community?
Day 4 - Changing Community
The church is people in community, so the church represents a lot of different experiences, passions, disappointments, gifts, attitudes, disagreements, challenges, and beliefs just like the real world. How do we do church with all these unique perspectives messing about? Read Matthew 18:1-5 and Romans 12 then ponder this quote from take this bread by Sara Miles:
"You can't be a Christian by yourself. You can't be more special or holy. I was going to be changed, too, and lose my private church for a new one I couldn't control. I was going to have to work with the people I liked at St. Gregory's, and the ones who irritated the hell out of me, and Veronica, and a bunch of strangers I hadn't even met yet."
Can we be part of a community without expecting change, in
ourselves and in others?
Day 5 - Reconciling Community
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Consider the following words from
Becoming the Authentic Church by Gordon Cosby & Kayla McClurg:
"We are the recipients of God's atonement through Christ's life, death and resurrection, but how can we claim to have atonement, literally at-one-ment, with God if we are not reconciled to the
diverse family of God?"
How can we seek to know and be known by people whom society might call our "opposites", in order to overcome the barriers that we have been led to believe were inevitable? How does your faith community practice the ministry of reconciliation?
Where is your Antioch, your community of faith and learning? Is it dead or dying? Is it alive and growing? Before you can figure out where your Antioch is, you need to know what an Antioch is. Read Acts 11:20-30. What are some of the characteristics of the community in Antioch? Do you find these characteristics in your current community of faith?
Day 2 - Beloved Community
We all want to be part of a healthy, reconciled, authentic community. This is something Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. named the beloved community, one with the type of spirit and type of love "that can transform opposers into friends". Depending on your experience of church, you may be thinking that either being beloved community in a congregation is a no-brainer or a pipe dream. Read Colossians 3:12-17. How do these words provide a model for beloved community?
Day 3 - Authentic Community
Achieving true community is rare. According to M. Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled and Beyond, most groups of people only achieve psuedo-community, where the assumption is that everyone is the same, with the same goals in mind, and that everybody will play nice. True community requires experiencing the chaos of our differences and the emptying of barriers to communication such as “expectations, preconceptions, and prejudices and emptying ourselves of the need to heal, convert, fix or solve."
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. What do you think it takes to move beyond psuedo-community to authentic community?
Day 4 - Changing Community
The church is people in community, so the church represents a lot of different experiences, passions, disappointments, gifts, attitudes, disagreements, challenges, and beliefs just like the real world. How do we do church with all these unique perspectives messing about? Read Matthew 18:1-5 and Romans 12 then ponder this quote from take this bread by Sara Miles:
"You can't be a Christian by yourself. You can't be more special or holy. I was going to be changed, too, and lose my private church for a new one I couldn't control. I was going to have to work with the people I liked at St. Gregory's, and the ones who irritated the hell out of me, and Veronica, and a bunch of strangers I hadn't even met yet."
Can we be part of a community without expecting change, in
ourselves and in others?
Day 5 - Reconciling Community
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Consider the following words from
Becoming the Authentic Church by Gordon Cosby & Kayla McClurg:
"We are the recipients of God's atonement through Christ's life, death and resurrection, but how can we claim to have atonement, literally at-one-ment, with God if we are not reconciled to the
diverse family of God?"
How can we seek to know and be known by people whom society might call our "opposites", in order to overcome the barriers that we have been led to believe were inevitable? How does your faith community practice the ministry of reconciliation?
Walking Wet: Relationship, not Religion
Day 1
Most people appreciate being called by name. Some are offended if their names are forgotten or mispronounced. God knows our names. God knows all about us, and yet God loves us. Read the following verses, basking in God's intimate love for you: Psalm 139:13-18, 23-24; Isaiah 43:1, 46:3-4; 49:15-16a; Jeremiah 1:4-8; and John 10:3-4. Some of these words are spoken to individuals or to Israel, but the heart of these messages is for each of us: God know us by name; God loves us and calls to us. Thank God for calling you by name. Embrace God's love.
Day 2
Love and belonging is a basic human need. Too often we humans search for love in all the wrong places. Our past human experiences cloud our understanding of God's unconditional love for us. Today is a new beginning. If you are suffering ask the great healer to live in your heart and accept the love He freely has already given you. "So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." 1 John 4: 16.
Day 3
Do you see your Christianity as a "religion" or as a relationship, a journey with God? Read John 1:35-51. Notice the eagerness with which these early followers of Jesus leave what is behind and put their trust in Jesus, and commit their lives to him. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime with God and his son Jesus? Are you ready to re-commit your life to Jesus?
Day 4
Find a quiet spot away from all distractions. Turn off electronic devices, breathe deeply and talk openly and authentically with God. Whisper, shout, cry, smile. Don’t hold anything back. End by thanking Him for His love, be specific.
Day 5
Begin by reading Luke 6: 27-38. We demonstrate unconditional acceptance and love, based in the unconditional love and acceptance offered to us by Jesus. We serve others, regardless of what we think of their worthiness or circumstances, with no strings attached. Love will push us out of our comfort zone as we choose to do what is right, even to our enemies and no matter the personal cost. Commit to leave your comfort zone and serve others today. Service opportunities are posted in the Spirit of Peace (the weekend handout), the Peace E-zine, and on the ministry wall as you enter the church building.
Most people appreciate being called by name. Some are offended if their names are forgotten or mispronounced. God knows our names. God knows all about us, and yet God loves us. Read the following verses, basking in God's intimate love for you: Psalm 139:13-18, 23-24; Isaiah 43:1, 46:3-4; 49:15-16a; Jeremiah 1:4-8; and John 10:3-4. Some of these words are spoken to individuals or to Israel, but the heart of these messages is for each of us: God know us by name; God loves us and calls to us. Thank God for calling you by name. Embrace God's love.
Day 2
Love and belonging is a basic human need. Too often we humans search for love in all the wrong places. Our past human experiences cloud our understanding of God's unconditional love for us. Today is a new beginning. If you are suffering ask the great healer to live in your heart and accept the love He freely has already given you. "So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." 1 John 4: 16.
Day 3
Do you see your Christianity as a "religion" or as a relationship, a journey with God? Read John 1:35-51. Notice the eagerness with which these early followers of Jesus leave what is behind and put their trust in Jesus, and commit their lives to him. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime with God and his son Jesus? Are you ready to re-commit your life to Jesus?
Day 4
Find a quiet spot away from all distractions. Turn off electronic devices, breathe deeply and talk openly and authentically with God. Whisper, shout, cry, smile. Don’t hold anything back. End by thanking Him for His love, be specific.
Day 5
Begin by reading Luke 6: 27-38. We demonstrate unconditional acceptance and love, based in the unconditional love and acceptance offered to us by Jesus. We serve others, regardless of what we think of their worthiness or circumstances, with no strings attached. Love will push us out of our comfort zone as we choose to do what is right, even to our enemies and no matter the personal cost. Commit to leave your comfort zone and serve others today. Service opportunities are posted in the Spirit of Peace (the weekend handout), the Peace E-zine, and on the ministry wall as you enter the church building.
Walking Wet: The call of baptism
Day 1: You Are Invited!
Read John 1:35-43. In verse 39, Jesus invites us to "come and see." We have an "open" invitation…to participate in a relationship with him…any time, anywhere. And, the good news is that we can share this invitation with others. The invitation is a call to discipleship, fellowship, blessing, comfort, service, sacrifice, and life eternal. The following passages will give you more specifics: Matthew 11:28-30, 25:34; Mark 10:21; John 4:29, 21:12; and Revelation 3:20. Have you responded to the invitation? Come and see!
Day 2: He Knows Your Name
Have you ever walked into a crowd at a party and looked around for someone you knew who could call you by name? What a relief when you hear a familiar voice calling your name. God knows your name—He knows all about you and loves you unconditionally. Read the following verses which tell of the depths of His love for you: Psalm 139:13-18; Isaiah 43:1; 46:3-4; 49:15-16a; Jeremiah 1:4-8; and John 10:3-4. Thank God for knowing you and calling you by name.
Day 3: Is God Using Your Voice?
Read John 1:43-51. Take note of all the invitations that are given. Did these early followers of Jesus wait until their faiths were mature and they knew Jesus well before inviting others to "come and see"? They had been waiting for the Messiah and, upon meeting him, they were incredibly eager to invite others into relationship with Jesus. Have you ever talked with anyone about what Jesus means to you? Have you invited someone to church so that he/she might hear the good news? Read Acts 1:8 and Romans 10:8-15. The disciples began by sharing Jesus with those closest to them. Ask the Spirit to give you opportunities this week to share the love of Jesus with family and friends.
Day 4: Have You Shared the Invitation?
Yesterday, we noted all the invitations in John 1:43-51. Read the text again and notice that Andrew and Philip immediately invite others to come and meet Jesus. And those whom they invite, Simon and Nathanael, find that Jesus already knows them. Read John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; and 2 Peter 3:9. God’s love knows no limits. We, too, are called to love without limit. Yesterday we prayed about sharing with those people closest to us. Is God calling you to deliver the invitation to those outside your circle of friends and family? The neighbor two doors down, the student sitting across from you, the mailman who stops to chat while working his route? Ask God for guidance and direction.
Day 5: Welcome to the Community!
Where do you feel most secure in God’s love? Is it in your family, in your church? When you're in prayer? One by one, Jesus invites the disciples into relationship with him. He calls them by name; he knows them intimately; he challenges them to "come and see" and to follow him. And he invites them into community. In John 1:41-46, notice how God uses the voices of Andrew and Philip to call others to Jesus. And just as he uses human voices to call people to Jesus, he uses human arms to embrace them and words to encourage them with Jesus' love. Read John 13:34-35; 15:9-13; 17:20-26. Thank God for your family, your friends and your faith community. Thank God for loving you unconditionally. Ask the Spirit to guide you in sharing this "welcome call" to those beyond the comfortable circle of family and faith community.
Read John 1:35-43. In verse 39, Jesus invites us to "come and see." We have an "open" invitation…to participate in a relationship with him…any time, anywhere. And, the good news is that we can share this invitation with others. The invitation is a call to discipleship, fellowship, blessing, comfort, service, sacrifice, and life eternal. The following passages will give you more specifics: Matthew 11:28-30, 25:34; Mark 10:21; John 4:29, 21:12; and Revelation 3:20. Have you responded to the invitation? Come and see!
Day 2: He Knows Your Name
Have you ever walked into a crowd at a party and looked around for someone you knew who could call you by name? What a relief when you hear a familiar voice calling your name. God knows your name—He knows all about you and loves you unconditionally. Read the following verses which tell of the depths of His love for you: Psalm 139:13-18; Isaiah 43:1; 46:3-4; 49:15-16a; Jeremiah 1:4-8; and John 10:3-4. Thank God for knowing you and calling you by name.
Day 3: Is God Using Your Voice?
Read John 1:43-51. Take note of all the invitations that are given. Did these early followers of Jesus wait until their faiths were mature and they knew Jesus well before inviting others to "come and see"? They had been waiting for the Messiah and, upon meeting him, they were incredibly eager to invite others into relationship with Jesus. Have you ever talked with anyone about what Jesus means to you? Have you invited someone to church so that he/she might hear the good news? Read Acts 1:8 and Romans 10:8-15. The disciples began by sharing Jesus with those closest to them. Ask the Spirit to give you opportunities this week to share the love of Jesus with family and friends.
Day 4: Have You Shared the Invitation?
Yesterday, we noted all the invitations in John 1:43-51. Read the text again and notice that Andrew and Philip immediately invite others to come and meet Jesus. And those whom they invite, Simon and Nathanael, find that Jesus already knows them. Read John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; and 2 Peter 3:9. God’s love knows no limits. We, too, are called to love without limit. Yesterday we prayed about sharing with those people closest to us. Is God calling you to deliver the invitation to those outside your circle of friends and family? The neighbor two doors down, the student sitting across from you, the mailman who stops to chat while working his route? Ask God for guidance and direction.
Day 5: Welcome to the Community!
Where do you feel most secure in God’s love? Is it in your family, in your church? When you're in prayer? One by one, Jesus invites the disciples into relationship with him. He calls them by name; he knows them intimately; he challenges them to "come and see" and to follow him. And he invites them into community. In John 1:41-46, notice how God uses the voices of Andrew and Philip to call others to Jesus. And just as he uses human voices to call people to Jesus, he uses human arms to embrace them and words to encourage them with Jesus' love. Read John 13:34-35; 15:9-13; 17:20-26. Thank God for your family, your friends and your faith community. Thank God for loving you unconditionally. Ask the Spirit to guide you in sharing this "welcome call" to those beyond the comfortable circle of family and faith community.
Walking Wet: Week 1
Once you give God an opening,
the door will never again be closed.
Day 1: Mark begins his gospel by explaining that John the Baptist, in fulfillment of prophecy, came to herald the Messiah. After several hundred years of prophetic silence, John’s appearance must have stirred hearts and created eager anticipation for what God was doing in their midst. In these early days of 2009, is your heart stirred and do you eagerly anticipate God's presence and activity? Picture yourself with the crowd gathered at the Jordan River as you read Mark 1:1-11. Pray the Spirit will draw you into the scene and enable you to hear God’s voice.
Day 2: Carefully and thoughtfully, read Mark 1:4-8. What is the message John teaches as he prepares the people for the soon-to-be-revealed Messiah? Did few or many respond to his words? What does this say about the hunger of the people's hearts? Consider the baptism of which verses 4 and 5 speak. How might repentance, confession, and forgiveness prepare the people for meeting Jesus and receiving his baptism (vs. 8)? Do we understand our need for a Savior if we do not recognize that we are sinners? Read Matthew 9:12-13; Luke 15:10; 18:9-14; and 1 John 1:8-10. Pray a prayer from your heart or use David’s words in Psalm 51:1-12, 17 to form your prayer.
Day 3: Read Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; and John 1:24-34. Jesus steps into the waters of the Jordan; God affirms Jesus as the beloved Son, and now Jesus is ready to begin his public ministry. John had been preparing the people for this moment; now the people can experience God's presence (Immanuel) in their midst in the person of Jesus. Jesus, though without sin, in humble identification with the people he came to save, steps into the water to be baptized by John. Jesus, the perfectly obedient, eternal Son, says, "yes," over and over, to God's will and mission for his life. Thank Jesus for setting aside his eternal glory and offering himself for you.
Day 4: For another look at this passage, read Matthew 3: 13-17. At Jesus' baptism, there was a public connection between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The form of a dove was a visible endorsement of the Holy Spirit's presence. God's voice added to the weight of the moment. Jesus was the "real deal" – God’s only beloved Son in whom God was well-pleased. In addition to being a public endorsement, this was a very intimate moment between parent and child. The key word is "Beloved." How does it feel to be called "beloved," especially by God?
Day 5: What are the first words Jesus speaks as his public ministry begins according to Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15? What message fol¬lows (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17)? What are the commands; the promises? Consider that Jesus’ commands are the key that opens the door to discipleship. Why is repentance important; might it signify our realization that we need a Savior and our desire to be in a right relationship with God? Jesus also says, "Come, follow me." Do you hear the invitation? In the call to repent and to follow, it's Jesus who takes the initiative and invites us into relationship. Read Luke 19:10 and thank Jesus for inviting you to follow him.
We are called to deeper discipleship in Jesus Christ. Jesus was called to us by the love of God. His entry into the Jordan River was not for the forgiveness of sin—he knew no sin. It was so that God's presence could permeate every aspect of what it is to be human. Jesus will go where we all must go. Even without sin, he will enter into the waters of forgiveness. Sin no longer separates us from God's love.
Welcome to 2009!
The start of a new year often brings to mind the chance for new beginnings, hopes and wishes. Here are a few thoughts about hopes and dreams for this new year.
What hopes and dreams do you have for 2009?
"In this New Year, we turn again to the Lord of hosts - praying urgently for the justice, righteousness and peace hailed by the birth of the newborn babe in the manger, the humble child, the Prince of Peace.
In these days of terrible violence, death and destruction in Gaza and southern Israel, the ELCA joins its voice with all in the region and around the world who call for an immediate ceasefire. The continuing loss of life, infliction of serious injury and devastation of property will only deepen hatred and divisions, and will serve no good end. Lamenting the recent escalation of violence, only negotiations, leading to a two-state solution, will bring about a durable peace with justice for both Israelis and Palestinians." - Bishop Mark S. Hanson
"that we'd be people & communities radically in touch with Christ's love for us & continue to risk our comfort, ego, time, money, and heart to offer mercy & compassion to others. that we'd be somehow known as those weird people who love other people unconditionally, tangibly, and in all kinds of crazy, unexplainable ways." - kathy escobar
What hopes and dreams do you have for 2009?
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